Managing Memories

We have started, okay, my husband has started, and nearly completed, the daunting task of cleaning out the garage. Although our garage is not out of hand, and we can still fit one car inside, along with several ride-on toys, the cupboards and storage areas needed organizing. Isn't New Year's Day the perfect time to organize?

Not only was this winter-clean-a-thon a small trip down memory lane, it caused me to seriously evaluate what is worth keeping. Do I honestly need the t-shirt from my senior year of high school with every one's name silk screened across the back side? No. What am I going to do with 5 baby blankets and personlized burp cloths? Really?

I tried on my cheerleader skirt from college. It did not fit. My husband was optimistic, but I had an inch or two remaining between button and button hole.

I came across a fantastic, with a capital "F," photo of my girlfriend and I interlocked at the waist with none other than John Stamos, circa 1981. We were leaning against his limo in our cheer outfits, thrilled out of our living minds. We had just finished a fundraiser game of donkey basketball where we actually rode donkeys in the gym and played against celebrities, a crazy game of basketball. This was popular in the 80's. Yes, really. I am dying to send him an email and ask if he would be willing to autograph the photo-for kicks. The trouble is, I don't have his email address. Silly me.

We had an entire box of video tapes of who knows what. I presume they were recordings of television shows and football games from years past, however, I was not about to pop them into the VCR and watch every one in order to discern whether or not they needed to be saved or smashed. We saved the wedding video. That one was marked.

My obsolete box of teaching materials from the past 15 years was tossed. Back in the day we had to create everything on our own as teachers. All of my tests and worksheets were hand written - so 90's.

I tossed the 80's clothes. I have been saving them for my kids when they have 80's day at school, but decided they can always visit the thrift store. I am still hanging on to the bread machine. I don't know why. Gratefully I am donating our very last car seat. The smallest in the family are in booster seats...yea!

2008 will bring more "stuff" I am sure, but at least we now have the space.